I too had a difficult childhood. Memories have always been difficult to keep - even those in my young adulthood. It pains me that I don't remember a great deal of my own children's childhood. I was being emotionally battered during all that time and I think that is the cause. The periods it was at its worst are the same periods my memory is poorest or altogether non-existent.

The memories I do keep are emotional. I have never remembered the facts, certainly don't see a running film. I just remember that at such-in-such a time period I was scared or sad or whatever. I have a hazy memory in about grade three which is the earliest I have. I don't recall the reason why, but my recollection is pure fear that I would have to go home and my mother would be very angry and maybe hurt me for it. My next memory is of aged 13 and again seems to be about the fear of my mother's reaction.